Terminology
C–4975-0125-02-01
Sine Wave The standard waveform of electric utility AC power. A sine wave is a rounded,
smooth waveform alternating above and below zero volts.
Surge Capacity The amount of current an inverter can deliver for short periods of time. Most electric
motors draw up to six to ten times their rated current when starting. An inverter will
“surge” to meet these motor-starting requirements. Most Xantrex inverters have
surge capacities at least twice their continuous ratings.
Transfer Switch, AC A switch that selects between two sources of AC power and isolates those sources
from each other .
Volts A unit of measure of electric potential. Voltage is often explained using a liquid
analogy, comparing water pressure to voltag e. For example, a high pressure hose
would be similar to high voltage.
Watt(s) A measure of true electrical power. Watts are calculated by multiplying volts times
amps for resistiv e loads. For non-re sistive loads, w atts are calculate d by multiplying
volts times amps times power factor. (P=I × V, where P=power, I=current, V=volts )
Watt Hou r (W/h) Electrical power measured over a period of time. One watt hour of electricity is
equivalent to one watt of power being consumed for one hour. A 3-watt light
operated for 2 hours would consume 6 Wh (watt hour) of electricity.
Volt-a mps
(VA)
A measure of the “apparent” power equivalent to the true power (watts) in resistive
loads, but exceeding watts in non-resistive loads. VA is calculated by multiplying
volts times amps without using power factor.
Xanbus Xanbus is a network communications protocol, developed by Xantrex.